RNLI crews rescue two holidaymakers stranded on Elie Chain Walk

The two women got into difficulty on Monday lunchtime as they tackled the rocky Fife Coastal Path link. One had suffered a suspected muscular injury and could not continue or was able to retrace their steps back.

The HM Coastguard requested the launch of both Anstruther RNLI lifeboats to assist them. The first to deploy was the in-shore D-class lifeboat, Akira, quickly followed by the all-weather lifeboat, Robert and Catherine Steen. Both lifeboats headed towards Elie in a slight swell, with a Force 3 South Easterly wind.

Within 20 minutes of being launched, both lifeboats were on the scene, and the volunteer crews had located the two casualties and quickly assessed what was required to complete a safe extraction. The in-shore lifeboat was used to assist the two women from the rocks and transfer them to the supporting all-weather lifeboat.

The lifeboats returned to Elie Harbour, and the casualties were handed over to the awaiting Coastguard Rescue Teams from St. Andrews and Leven who were able to complete a further assessment.

Tam Bett, Anstruther RNLI senior station technician and helm of the in-shore lifeboat, said: “This incident fortunately resulted in a positive outcome with only one of the casualties suffering a muscular injury. What helped their situation was they had quickly realised that they were stuck and did not take any further risks and called for help by dialling 999 and requesting the assistance of the Coastguard.

“It was also pleasing to see that they were both wearing suitable wet-weather clothing and walking boots. If you are intending to tackle the Chain Walk at Elie, please treat it with respect by knowing your own limits, check the weather forecast and tide times, and you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and ensure you are carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, just in case accidents happen.”